District 2-5A Track: Hudson struggles in shot

Published 7:00 pm, Friday, April 16, 2010

Photo: Tim Fischer

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District 2-5A Track: Hudson struggles in shot

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Chelsea Hudson came into Friday’s final in the shot put at the District 2-5A Track & Field Championships as the heavy favorite, having won all four meets she had competed in up to this point in the season.

Unfortunately, Hudson couldn’t make it five for five and couldn’t even secure one of the top three spots in the event, bringing her final season with Midland High to an unexpected end.

“I’m disappointed. I picked the wrong day to have an off day,” said Hudson. “I can’t be mad or sad about it. The only person I can blame is myself.”

Hudson’s best throw went 38 feet, 1 1/4 inches, which was good enough for fifth place. Odessa High’s Deja McKnight won the shot with a toss of 41 feet, 5 3/4 inches

Hudson had thrown 43 feet at the same venue just last week at the Tall City Invitational. That throw was the eighth best in the state this year.

The event was originally scheduled for Thursday, but was one of several field competitions moved to Friday due to inclement weather. Hudson said the change in schedule was part of the reason she was off her game.

“Usually I practice three times a week before a meet. With the meet being canceled yesterday, I didn’t get a chance to practice before,” she explained. “There’s really not an excuse. I didn’t do what I needed to in order to win.”

MHS girls track coach Tim Anuszkiewicz noted that a letdown like Hudson’s is common at this level of meet.

“I don’t think it’s something that happens all the time, but it’s not uncommon at big meets like this,” Anuszkiewicz said. “It was just one of those days for her. Sometimes that happens. Surprised would be a good term to use for this.”

Hudson scratched in her last three throws, including her tosses in the finals. Each time she failed to keep her balance and stepped out of the front of the ring.

“I thought about everything too much,” said Hudson. “I didn’t go out and have fun like last week. Today wasn’t good enough, but I can’t complain. I had a great season.”

Hudson will play basketball at Tennessee State University beginning in the fall. Having that on the horizon makes Friday’s disappointment easier to take.

“I’m disappointed, but I’m not depressed about this or anything,” said Hudson. “I can’t be sad about this. I have a lot to look forward to in my life. I’m going to play college basketball. I can’t ask for much more.”